ETHICS FOR TEACHERS As a guide for the teaching profession, this code of professional ethics may be adopted FIRST PRINCIPLE: The primary obligation of the teaching profession is to guide children, youth, and adults in the pursuit of knowledge and skills, to prepare them in ways of democracy, and to help them to become happy, useful, self supporting citizens. The ultimate strength of individuals lies in the social responsibility, economic competence and moral strength of the individuals. In fulfilling the obligations of this first principle the teacher will1. Deal justly and impartially with students regardless of their physical, mental, emotional, political, economic, or religious characteristics. 2. Recognize the differences among students and seek to meet their individual needs. 3. Encourage students to formulate and work for high individual goals in the development of their physical, intellectual, creative, and spiritual endowments. 4. Aid students to develop an understanding and appreciation not only of the opportunities and benefits of democracy but also of their obligations to it. 5. Respect the right of every student to have confidential information about himself withheld except when its release is to authorized agencies or as required by law. 6. Accept no remuneration for tutoring except in accordance with approved politics o the governing board. SECOND PRINCIPLE: The members of the teaching staff share with parents the task of shaping each student’s purposes and acts towards socially acceptable ends. The effectiveness of many methods of teaching is dependent upon cooperative relationships with the home. In fulfilling the obligations of this second principle the teacher will1. Respect the basic responsibility of the parents for their children. 2. Seek to establish friendly and cooperative relationships with the home. 3. Help to increase the student’s confidence in his own home an avoid disparaging remarks which might undermine that confidence. 4. Provide parents with the information that will serve the best interest of their children, and be discreet with information received from parents. 5. Keep parents informed about the progress of their children as interpreted in terms of the purpose of the school. THIRD PRINCIPLE: The teaching profession occupies a position of public trust involving not only the individual teacher’s personal conduct, but also the interaction of the school and the community. Education is most effective when these relationships operate in a friendly, cooperative, and constructive manner. In fulfilling the obligations of this third principle the teacher will1. Adhere to any reasonable pattern of behavior accepted by the community for professional persons. 2. Perform the duties of citizenship, and participate in community activities with due consideration for his obligation to his students, his family and himself. 3. Discuss controversial issues from an objective point if view, thereby keeping his class free from partisan opinions.
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Recognize that the schools belong to the people of the community, encourage lay participation in shaping the purposes of the school, and strive to keep the public informed of the educational programme which is being provided. Respect the community in which he is employed and be loyal to the school system, community, state and nation. Work to improve education in the community and to strengthen the community’s moral, spiritual, and intellectual life.
FOURTH PRINCIPLE: The members of the teaching profession have inescapable obligations with respect to employment. These obligations are nearly always shared employer – employee responsibilities based upon natural respect and good faith. 1. Conduct professional business through the proper channels. 2. Refrain from discussing confidential and official information with unauthorized persons. 3. Apply for employment on the basis of competence only, and avoid asking for a specific position known to be filled by another teacher. 4. Seek employment in a professional manner, avoiding such practices as the indiscriminate distribution of applications. 5. Refuse to accept a position when the vacancy has been created through unprofessional activity or pending over professional policy or the application of unjust personnel practices and procedures. 6. Adhere to the conditions of a contract until service there under has been performed, the contract has been terminated by mutual consent, or the contract has otherwise been legally terminated. 7. Give an expect due notice before a change of position is to be made. 8. Be fair in all recommendations that are given concerning the work of other teachers. 9. Accept no compensation from procedures of instructional supplies when one’s recommendations affect the local purchase or use of such teaching aids. 10. Engage in no gainful employment, outside of his contract, where the employment affects adversely his professional status or impairs his standing with students, associates, and the community. 11. Cooperate in the development of school policies and assume one’s professional obligations thereby incurred. 12. Accept one’s obligation to the employer’s for maintaining professional level of service. FIFTH PRINCIPLE: The teaching profession is distinguished from many other occupations by the uniqueness and quality of the professional relationship among all teachers. In fulfilling the obligations of this fifth principle the teacher will1. Deal with other members of the profession in the same manner as he himself wishes to be treated. 2. Stand by other teachers who have acted on his behalf and at his respect. 3. Speak constructively of other teachers, but report honestly to responsible persons in matters involving the welfare of students, the school system, and the profession. 4. Maintain active membership in professional organizations and through participation; strive to attain the objectives that justify such organized groups. 5. Seek to make professional growth by such procedures as study, research, travel conferences, and attendance at professional meetings. 6. Make the teaching profession so attractive in ideals and practices that sincere and able young people will want to enter.